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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Sources tell KDKA’s Marty Griffin that Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has decided to run for re-election in 2013.

He is fundraising now to send a message to people questioning whether he would run again.

“I’m really excited about where this city’s headed and some of the things that we’ve been able to achieve,” Ravenstahl told KDKA-TV.

“And once again, I know a lot of people speculate about the future, speculate about an upcoming fundraiser that I’m having, but my focus is on moving the city forward doing what we’ve been doing.”

Ravenstahl has not had a fundraiser since 2009. There was speculation he would serve out this term and walk away from politics – tired of criticism regarding his performance as mayor.

Griffin: “A lot of the criticism you’ve taken about not being focused – is that fair or unfair sir?”

Ravenstahl:“Once again, I’m not going to get into that. We’re committed to doing what we’ve doing here, continuing to drive crime down like what we have recently, continue economic development, focused on the issues that matter to people.”

The mayor is not officially announcing anything at this time.

KDKA’s Marty Griffin is told there are plans for a major fundraiser October 13th. The mayor is sending a strong message to supporters that he’s in this race in a big way.